Flame-retardantconcentrate No. 11341 used in polyolefin film extrusion and injection molding.

Concentrate FR 11371 reportedly can be processed at 600 F without adverse side effects and is suitable for HDPE, LDPE and their copolymers. Applications include extrusion coating of scrims for canvas replacement, construction paper and films, disposable clothing, and oil-can stock.

Plastics are going “green,” but they will need some help to get there. Biodegradable polymers derived from renewable resources are attracting lots of interest and publicity, but that enthusiasm is counterbalanced by persistent questions of availability, cost, performance, and processability. All these issues are inter-related: Increasing demand will lead to more capacity, which will presumably lead to lower prices. But the foundation is market demand, which ultimately depends on whether biopolymers will have the performance properties and processability to compete with existing non-renewable plastics.

Broader use of plastics in building products and a growing desire to minimize painting of automotive parts is increasing the need for reliable predictions of light stability and weathering performance.

Two new color masterbatches that give a frosted-glass look to PET bottles or thermoformed containers for cosmetics, alcoholic beverages, and other high-end consumer goods come from Ampacet Corp., Tarrytown, N.Y.